The NEXRUR project (Next Generation Sustainable Business Models and Monitoring for Rural Resilience and Innovation, Project Nr. 101181273) is a Horizon Europe initiative addressing the economic, social and environmental challenges of rural areas in Europe and China led by the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy, (ATB) in Germany. It investigates community-led and sustainable business models across 22 case studies, including two Hungarian aquaculture examples coordinated by HUNATiP. The project aims to co-create innovative models that enhance farmers’ prosperity, strengthen rural communities, and improve environmental performance through inclusive and sustainable practices.
The pond aquaculture case study investigates the possible business model of ecosystem-friendly freshwater aquaculture products and ecosystem services. By strengthening and valorizing the ecosystem services of Biharugra fish ponds in Hungary—such as water retention, biodiversity support, and climate resilience—together with the local community, the project seeks to develop inclusive business models that boost fish farmers’ prosperity, rural jobs, and community awareness. The case also explores short food supply chains and certification systems to highlight the environmental and social value of pond products. The intensive freshwater aquaculture case study develop a new biobased circular economy business model for the rapidly developing African catfish farming in Hungary. In this circular economy model waste and by-products from intensive aquaculture will be processed in cooperation by a group of fish farmers and reused in local agriculture and horticulture. The goal is to minimize the environmental footprint of intensive aquaculture, promote circular practices, and enhance rural livelihoods through job creation and local food supply. By valorizing waste streams and integrating aquaculture with farming, this case provides replicable solutions for other landlocked countries with small-scale aquaculture.